One of the main questions for travellers visiting Ibiza for the first time concerns transport: is it necessary to rent a vehicle? Or, should you explore Ibiza by scooter or car? If you’re planning your next holiday in Ibiza and are wondering the same thing, keep on reading to discover the advantages of each type of rental.
The Perfect Size for Renting a Car or Scooter in Ibiza
Our island has a total area of 570 square kilometres, which surprises many visitors who arrive expecting Ibiza to be very small. That said, it is more than big enough to travel easily from north to south or east to west in a single day. In fact, the maximum distance between two points is less than 50 kilometres. However, it’s worth noting that Ibiza has a mountainous terrain with many hills and winding roads, particularly in the Sierra de Mala Costa in the northeast and the Serra de Sant Josep in the southwest.
Parking: There are several free parking areas outside the centre of Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni, as well as paid regulated zones in the main towns (Blue Zone, blue lines on the ground). At beaches such as Ses Salines and Cala Bassa, parking is charged at a fixed rate, while at most other beaches parking is free, though some additional paid spaces exist, e.g., Cala Vedella.
Economic Verdict: As expected, scooters are significantly cheaper in terms of rental, fuel, and parking.
Access to Beaches
Clear Advantage: Scooter
This is the factor that matters most for many travellers. Ibiza’s most beautiful coves have limited parking, often full before noon in summer. With a scooter, you’ll almost always find a spot. At Cala Comte, Cala Salada, Cala d’Hort, and practically any popular beach, the difference between going by scooter or car is the difference between parking in 30 seconds or driving around for 20 minutes.
Furthermore, some northern coves, such as Cala Xuclar or Cala d’en Serra, have very narrow access roads where two large vehicles cannot pass side by side. A scooter can navigate these tight spots with ease.
Comfort and Luggage
Clear Advantage: Car
If you’re travelling with large suitcases, bulky beach bags, a cooler, or sports equipment, the car is the obvious winner. Also if you like to bring a beach umbrella to stay protected from the sun. A scooter only has enough under-seat storage for one extra helmet, sunscreen, a wallet, and little else. And of course, riding a scooter while holding an umbrella is not advisable!
For trips with small children (car seats), a car is the only viable option. Children cannot ride as passengers on a scooter.
Foto: Jara de Soto / Moto Luis
Safety and Weather Protection
Advantage: Car
In summer, a car offers air conditioning (essential at 38°C in August), protection from rain (rare but possible in early or late summer), and the structural safety of the cabin. On a scooter, you are exposed to the elements: intense sun, crosswinds, and the occasional summer shower.
That said, Ibiza’s summer weather is so predictable that rain shouldn’t be a deciding factor. Many travellers also enjoy the feeling of wind and sun on their skin, as it is part of the Mediterranean holiday experience.
Choosing Between Scooter or Car Depending on Your Type of Trip
If travelling as a couple (without children)
Recommendation: Scooter. More romantic, cheaper, and provides full access to all beaches. If you need to carry luggage one day, you can always use a taxi.
If travelling with family (with children)
Recommendation: Car. Without a doubt. You need space for car seats, beach bags, toys, food, and all the other items that come with travelling with children. An SUV or family car is the practical option.
If travelling with a group of friends
Recommendation: Combine. Two or three scooters for a group of six can be cheaper than one large car or two small ones, and offer complete freedom. For four friends, the cost of two scooters can be similar to a car, so advantages like parking and daily luggage might decide.
A major benefit of renting scooters with friends is that everyone can go at their own pace: join later, explore separately, meet up somewhere else… For groups larger than six, a people carrier may be more practical.
For Adventure and Exploration
Recommendation: Scooter. No doubt. The best experiences in Ibiza are found on unexpected detours, back roads, and paths leading to unnamed coves. On a scooter, every journey can be an adventure, whereas in a car it is usually just transport.
For Nightlife
Recommendation: Car or Taxi. If you plan to go out at night and drink alcohol, neither a scooter nor your own car is advisable. Use a taxi, chauffeur service, or public transport (the Discobus runs in summer). For daytime beach trips, scooters remain the best option.
For Luxury and Exclusivity
Recommendation: Premium Car. A convertible, Jeep Wrangler, or Tesla is ideal for touring Ibiza. We offer high-end models for those who want that extra touch.
“Always the best price and family service. I’ve been renting a Jeep Wrangler every year for 10 years.” — Marco Magni, Italia
Moto Luis 2022. Fotos: Alberto Paredes / @labombillaroja
Advantages of renting a car in Ibiza
It is the best option to drive across the entire island if you are not a very experienced scooter island.
It is cheaper if you are a small group of 3 to 5 people.
There are many models to suit all budgets and personal preferences, from small cars to convertibles or Jeeps, as well as other options.
Longer trips are more comfortable for drivers not used to driving on a scooter.
You can carry with you a sunshade, towels, your new flamingo float, a change of clothes, cold beer…
Advantages of renting a scooter in Ibiza
It’s a good option when you only wish to explore the area you are staying at.
In Summer, you won’t have trouble parking.
If you are just travelling with your partner and depending on the chosen model, it’s a cheaper option than renting a car and it uses less fuel.
You enjoy the island in a different way if you are on a scooter: you get a better feel of the aromas and there is a greater sense of freedom. To rent a scooter, nevertheless, it is absolutely necessary to have a lot of experience.
Requires prior experience riding scooters and a driving license that legally allows you to drive a 125cc scooter in Spain..
Ibiza by scooter or car: Choose and book now!
Have you decided which rental option suits your Ibiza holiday best? The key is to book in advance, especially in high season. Book 90 days ahead and receive an automatic 5% discount. If you have any questions, our team is happy to help via email, phone (Tel.: 971 340 521 – 971 340 765 – 971 346 102) or What’s App (672 077 500).
Just like every summer, at Moto Luis we are launching a fundraising campaign for a charity organisation that works in Ibiza. This year we want to help our local food bank that belongs to the NGO “Cáritas”, this charity especially helps those people for whom the pandemic has brought economic hardship…
Clients often ask us whether they can rent a car in Ibiza without a credit card and if at Moto Luis we offer other ways to make payment. At our company we always work hard to offer the best service to our clients and we do our best to make the rental process as easy and simple as possible. Can I boo…
